Core Study 2: Elephant Training Methods

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Questions and Answers

According to operant conditioning, what is the defining factor in shaping behavior?

The emotional state of the individual
The consequences of the behavior (correct)
The repetition of the behavior
The internal motivations of the individual

Secondary reinforcers are innate and naturally rewarding, such as food or water.

False (B)

Explain how positive reinforcement plays a role in shaping a desired behavior.

Positive reinforcement involves providing a pleasant consequence after a behavior occurs, increasing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. For example, giving a treat to a dog after it performs a trick reinforces the behavior and makes it more likely to be repeated.

The term ______ refers to learning from the outcome of our behavior.

operant conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Match the following reinforcement types with their corresponding descriptions:

Positive Reinforcement = Adding something pleasant to increase the likelihood of a behavior Negative Reinforcement = Removing something unpleasant to increase the likelihood of a behavior Punishment = Adding something unpleasant to decrease the likelihood of a behavior Extinction = Removing something pleasant to decrease the likelihood of a behavior Signup and view all the answers

What type of observation was used in the study?

Controlled observation (A) Signup and view all the answers

The study involved a large sample size of elephants.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of training the elephants?

To teach them to perform a voluntary trunk wash in response to a cue. Signup and view all the answers

The elephants were trained using a method called ______ and rewarded with chopped banana.

SPR Signup and view all the answers

Match the following training methods with their descriptions:

Marker-reward relationship = Connecting a sound or gesture with a reward Shaping = Gradually reinforcing behaviors that approach the desired action Chaining = Breaking down complex behaviors into smaller steps and training each step separately Signup and view all the answers

The SPR training techniques used in the study were successful in teaching elephants to participate in a trunk wash.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a weakness of the study due to its small sample size?

It is difficult to generalize the findings to a larger population. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why was it challenging to control for distractions during the training sessions?

The presence of tourists and other elephants during the training sessions could have affected the elephants' concentration or willingness to participate. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Demand characteristics = Cues or signals that indicate the desired response in a study. Verbal cue = A spoken word or phrase used to prompt a specific behavior. SPR = A training technique that uses positive reinforcement to shape behavior. Quantitative Data = Data that can be measured numerically, such as the number of correct responses. Unstructured Observations = Observations that are not standardized or systematic, making it difficult to analyze objectively. Signup and view all the answers

The researchers attempted to maintain the validity of the research by asking the mahouts to not ______ to the elephants.

speak Signup and view all the answers

The study's use of SPR training techniques was considered ethical because it avoided punishment.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What were two potential factors related to the elephants themselves that could affect the reliability of the study if it were repeated?

The elephants' personalities and previous experience with SPR training could influence their responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major challenge of conducting research with elephants?

Their large size can pose a risk to both humans and themselves. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is quantitative data considered easier to analyze than unstructured observations?

Quantitative data can be objectively measured and compared, while unstructured observations are more subjective and difficult to analyze systematically. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Operant Conditioning

Learning that occurs through the consequences of behavior, which can be reinforcing or punishing.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.